welcome to august
Welcome to August and greetings from my Chicago studio. As the summer begins to wane, I instinctually feel the need to take advantage of every part of the season. In the studio the windows are wide open so I can hear the birds, the trains, and conversations of those out for walks in Ravenswood. I don’t mind the humidity, so I welcome it inside while throwing on the wheel or glazing wares. Most days I bike home from the studio along the Chicago Lakefront—and on a perfect evening, my partner and I go for a long walk by the water.
This season has been marked by the joy of custom wedding registries. Earlier conversations with couples about their lifestyle, personal aesthetics, and dream tableware collections are now culminating in their guests' gifts of handmade ceramic plates, bowls, and serveware in celebration of their special day and pairing perfectly with the couple's new life together. Sharing the gift messages, full of love and well wishes are a heartwarming and tender part of my work.
After moving in together for the first time just a few months ago, my partner and I are still deciding what handmade pieces will make the cut to stay in our small kitchen. With limited cupboard space, our collection is surprisingly minimal for the home of two artists who like to cook. So far we have chosen three styles of bowls ( ice cream, cereal, and noodle) and 8” justin plates in sets of four, knowing it may grow over time. Our drinkware is an assortment of Little Fire favorites and we’ve carved out a special display area for my collection of mugs made by other artists, acquired over the years through purchase, trade, and gifting.
Setting up the studio and showroom is moving along slowly, but as a business-of-one, that is to be expected. I’ve spent a lot of time browsing Facebook marketplace for my dream display furniture, looking ahead to when I will welcome guests into the space for meetings and events. Since creating the personal rule of only decorating on the weekends, my hands are once again covered in clay, the studio is steadily filling with new pieces, and the kiln is firing.
On the other side of summer is a busy holiday season, full of in-person events, orders for shop partners, and long days of making wares. For now, though, I’m letting my ceramics practice inform the month ahead. Taking each day with intention, patience, and creativity, knowing no two will be exactly the same, thus making each, in its own way, special.